Easter Day Thirty , May 11

The Fifth Week of Easter: From FEAR to BELOVED

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
”

— Luke 5:3-4

A Jesus Story Retold : Before the Good News “FEAR NOT”

I’ve been fishing all my life. I don’t remember the first time my father took me out with him, I was that young.

Like anyone who’s a regular fisher, I’ve got my favorite spots on the sea. Landmarks known only to me so I can find them again. I know the best times to go out and the times of day that are just not worth it. I know where to go when it's calm and where to go after a storm (which is staying on shore, mending nets). 

It’s a rare day when I can’t find a school of fish. But today was one of those days. No luck anywhere. Got so bad we even tried a few new places. Eventually we said enough and went home. 

We were surprised how many people were near the shoreline when we returned. With a shrug, we went about our business, rinsing our nets and checking for holes.  

As I was putting my nets back in my boat, I figured out what the crowd was about. It was that new traveling prophet I’d been hearing about. He was so close to me as the people crowded in, I had to shout out, “Watch out!” before he tripped on my anchor. 

Then he turned and looked at me. It was understandable why people kept showing up. His nature had a pull like the tide. So when he asked if he could get in my boat, if I’d be willing to push off, I found myself saying yes. 

As he kept teaching, I was as mesmerized as the crowd who were standing in the shallows. When he finished, I had to shake myself back to the moment. 

I turned us toward shore when he said, “Go out to the deeper water and put down your nets.” 

I tried to explain to him that we’d been fishing all night without success. That I couldn’t imagine anything happening now. But as I’d said, he had a pull like the tide. So we put down our nets.

They were barely in the water when they filled with fish. So many, we were struggling to get them up and out. I whistled to the other fishers and they rushed their own boats over, helping us pull in that catch. A catch greater than any I’d ever had. Greater than the fish tales told around a fire. 

Who was this Jesus? How could someone with zero fishing experience just know? All I could do was look at him and shake my head in wonder. My legs gave out and I dropped my head, wondering if I should even be looking at the feet of one such as this. 

Then I blurted out, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 

STEP THREE: PRAY

You, Lord, change everything. May I remember that truth when I try to do it all on my own. Amen

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Meredith McGrath

©2020 Meredith McGrath. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twenty-Nine, May 10

The Fifth Sunday of Easter: From FEAR to BELOVED

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.””

— Luke 5:1-11

“FEAR NOT” - Introduction to this week’s Focus

“Who am I?”

You may have asked yourself that question in the past few weeks, as the effects of the pandemic continue and deepen, and as we feel the former certainties of life slip away. The economy is in shambles, our own financial futures are in question, community is failing, relationships are frayed, and nobody seems in control.

Many of us are facing a true crisis of identity, as many of the things we have relied on to define us - job, status, friendships, social class, community, even family - have been shaken to the core. 

So who are we - who am I - in the face of it all?

Perhaps we’re asking the wrong question. Perhaps we should ask:

“Whose am I?”

As people of faith, we need to be reminded that we are children of God, claimed by the Holy Spirit and marked by the Cross of Christ in the waters of baptism, freed from the fears of the present to joyfully be God’s hands and feet, called and gifted to love our God by loving and serving our neighbor in the midst of their own fears and uncertainties.

Who am I, you ask? 

You are God’s beloved. Be not afraid.

STEP THREE: PRAY

Source of life, out of love you create all beings. Let me never forget that I am your beloved child. As such, make me remember to love others each day of my life. Through Jesus, amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Scott Simmons

©2020 Scott Simmons. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twenty-Eight, May 9

The Fourth Week of Easter: From FEAR to TRUST

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
”

— Mark 4: 41

FEAR NOT - Some things to try out

Ending each week of this devotional, there will be a collection of practical suggestions on how you can FEAR NOT.  As pastors we know the importance of bringing the abstract ideas of faith down to earth. What can I do in the face of fears?  Here are a few suggestions from the pastors who wrote this week’s devotions. Try them out. Allow them to spark other ideas within yourself.

“One of my go-to truisms is this: You can’t change others, you can only change yourself. You cannot make people be loving or make them make good choices or make them agree with you or make them have faith. You will experience a greater peace of mind if you let go of trying to change others and trust God to work in God’s own mysterious ways.

What you can do is choose how you behave. You can choose to be loving, to consider how other people will be affected by what you do or what you don’t do before you do it. Let your choices express your faith to the world.””

— Pastor Meredith McGrath

“One of the major reasons stories are passed on about countries and families is that they show how people trusted and persevered through crisis and storms to a safe and better ending. The Bible functions the same way. The story of the Israelites’ rescue from Egypt is told each Passover as one of the prime examples that as the people trusted in God, God provided. Each Holy Week we hear stories of how Jesus wrestled with fear, doubt, faith and trust as he walked toward the sacrifice he was about to make on behalf of the world. Then on Easter Sunday we all rejoice in how that walk of faith ended. During this time of uncertainty surrounding our future in the face of Covid-19 many have turned to the story of Noah and the flood as a source of hope. You’ll recall that God promised never to destroy the earth and its inhabitants ever again and the rainbow became a sign of that promise (see Genesis 9:8-17). Adults and children have drawn rainbows on windows and sidewalks to inspire hope. Maybe it’s time for all of us to remember and draw a rainbow so that we trust that there will be an end to this pandemic.””

— Pastor Dennis Sepper

“There is a beautiful prayer that is part of Christian Compline - or the ancient prayer at the end of the day. It goes, “guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep we may rest in peace.” These words demonstrate a simple trust in God’s care as the day closes. They make a great bed-time prayer. Trusting in God, we go to sleep knowing that we are loved and connected with Christ. Try it out tonight!”
”

— Pastor Walt Lichtenberger

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God, there are many things that go bump in the night.  It is easy, especially these days, to find ourselves discouraged and even overwhelmed by fear.  We readily join the disciples’ chorus; “don’t you care that we are perishing!”  Calm our troubled spirits that we might take a deep and filling breath.  Still the commotion in our hearts that we might focus on your eternal love.  Trusting in your presence, promise, and power may we find new courage to follow Jesus.  Through Christ, amen.     

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Today’s prayer is by Pastor Walt Lichtenberger .

Easter Day Twenty Seven, May 8

The Fourth Week of Easter: From FEAR to TRUST

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“[Jesus] said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”

”

— Mark 4: 40

“FEAR NOT” - Imagine Trust

I have always felt great compassion for the disciples in this moment.  The disciples were taking Jesus across the sea, letting him rest for a bit from the demands of being the Savior of the World with a nap in the stern of the boat, when a great storm overtakes them.  Several of these men were fishermen – no strangers to the water – so when they begin to worry that the boat would be swamped and they would all die, it’s probably a likely scenario.  They decide it’s best to wake Jesus.

Turns out that Jesus wakes up a bit cranky, and basically stands up and says to the wind and the water, “Knock it off.”  And they do.  Then, cranky Jesus turns to his disciples and demands, “Why are you afraid?  Have you STILL no faith?”

Why were they afraid?  They are human – mortal – able to die, and threatened with a situation that could easily take their lives from them.  They are afraid because the water was swamping their boat and they thought it was going to go down.  If the boat didn’t stand a chance against the wind and waves of that storm, what chance would some shipwrecked sailors have?

Perhaps you knew this fear before the Coronavirus became a part of our world.  Perhaps you have looked death in the face – through a serious accident, a cancer diagnosis, a heart attack, or some other serious illness.  Maybe you already knew what it was to be afraid your ship was going down.  But, with this new pandemic that has swept across our country and our world, we all know on a more collective level the fear that the ship might go down.  It is one thing to look my own death in the face – one terrifying thing.  But, it is another thing entirely to look at the potential collapse of certain sectors of our society.  What happens if the meat packing industry closes down?  What if the schools don’t open in the fall?  What if life as we knew it is just not available to us when we are finally past this pandemic?

It is terrifying to think that this virus might take our life, or the lives of those we love.  It is terrifying to think that the virus has already taken the lives of over 58,000 people.  It is also terrifying to think that when this is all over, we might be left needing to completely rebuild some of the bedrock institutions of our society.  Maybe it’s time that we, like the disciples before us, consider waking Jesus up.  Maybe we need to shake our savior awake and get him moving. 

“Do you not care that we are perishing?”

It is this fear induced, panic infused question that makes Jesus question the disciples faith.  It’s not that they woke him, it’s not that they asked for his help, it’s that they wondered if he cared about them.  You see, faith is not the absence of fear.  There are very real reasons to feel fear in this world.  Fear is a part of the basic biology of our bodies – it’s not something that we can be rid of.  But, the disciples had let their fear overwhelm their knowledge of the love that God has for them.  Faith is not the absence of fear, it’s the assurance that in the face of very real fear God will always be with us, for us, on our side and ready to face fear with us.  God has promised that, come what may, God will always care what’s going on in our lives.  God commands that we come to God in prayer with all our needs, all our concerns, all our worries.  Yes, I can assure you that God very much does care about whatever you are facing this day.

There is one last thing I want to share with you before we close today.  Jesus did question the disciples’ faith – but not until after he had acted on their behalf.  The disciples came to Jesus, and he acted to save them.  The disciples’ lack of faith did not change Jesus’s action – Jesus saved them not because of their faith but because of his love.  Maybe the situation in our world has made you question whether God is truly out there, or truly cares about humanity after all.  If this is where you find yourself today, know that God will still act in love toward you.  God will still be there with and for you as you struggle.  God will never leave you, nor forsake you.

STEP THREE: PRAY

God of the wind and waves, we see our world shaking in ways that we never dreamed possible.  Be with us as we face this storm.  Reveal your presence to us as we live through whatever this day has in store.  And remind us that you will be by our side when we have come through this storm to whatever is on the other side.  Amen

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Amanda Applehans.

© 2020. Amanda Applehans. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twenty Six, May 7

The Fourth Week of Easter: From FEAR to TRUST

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“[Jesus] woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.”
”

— Mark 4: 39

A Jesus-Story Retold: After the good news “fear not”

They say that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Tonight I learned how true that is. 

For as nerve-shattering as that storm was, hearing Jesus say, “Be still” and everything was stilI, it changed how I understood everything.

I would have fallen to my knees if I hadn’t already been crouched down, making sure I didn’t fall overboard. I’d known Jesus was special. That he was the Messiah we’d been waiting for, but I hadn’t understood what it meant that he is the Holy One of G-d, the Son. Hadn’t understood at all. 

Only G-d has dominion over everything, including the wind, the rain, the storms.

I knew I wasn’t the only one in tongue-tied. It was quieter than when we’re all sleeping, giving how some of them snore loud enough to frighten small children.

When I say I learned the truth of that phrase, about fear and wisdom, I should say more. It’s not fear-fear. It’s not the fear that comes from knowing there are bandits in the area who will cut your throat as not for what coin you might have. It’s not the fear that comes from encountering a drunken Roman soldier and what wild hair they might have.

It’s the awe-fear. That recognition that G-d is G-d of all: of heaven, of earth, of sea, and of the places I can’t even see. It’s the awe-fear of knowing how little I know. It’s the awe-fear of being in the presence of someone that is more than… more than everyone and everything.

It’s the awe-fear that’s making me listen a little more deep when Jesus says stuff. It’s making me not just watch, but try to really see. It’s making me ask questions about things I’d always thought of as unquestionable.

Strangely enough it’s making me less afraid. It’s not that I think everything’s going to be lambs and rainbows from here on out, but somehow I know that Jesus will be with us, storms or stillness. 

Like that one psalm of King David’s. The Lord leads me beside still waters. You restore my soul, O Lord, and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

I won’t say that I never have fear, but it really is different, knowing G-d is with me.

STEP THREE: PRAY

Breton’s Fishermen’s Prayer:

Dear God, be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small. Amen

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Meredith McGrath

© 2020. Meredith McGrath. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twenty-Five, May 6

The Fourth Week of Easter: From FEAR to TRUST

Photo: Pastor Tom Jenkins

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“Don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.””

— JOHN 3: 7-8 (The Message)

The Way of the Wind                 

Tender Mercy, Whisper of Wind,                 

Breathe on our journey.                 

Move us again. 

Pulling hard against the wind, trusting strength and will

(But) never getting anywhere till sails are Spirit filled.                  

Tender Mercy, Whisper of Wind,                 

Breathe on our journey.                 

Move us again.

Around this ship of destiny, a breeze, a gust, a gale.

Can’t predict the ways of wind, but we can hoist a sail.                  

Tender Mercy, Whisper of Wind,                 

Breathe on our journey.                 

Move us again.

Sea of space and time - Wind of Love divine

Currents of holy breath carry us home beyond  death.                

Tender Mercy, Whisper of Wind,                 

Breathe on our journey.                 

Move us again. 

© Steve Thompson 2003

STEP THREE: PRAY

O Wind of Divine Love, breathe on us when we are in the doldrums. May we be moved by the current and flow of your Spirit to the place beyond death which is our destiny. Amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Steve Thompson (song/prayer) and Pastor Tom Jenkins (photo)

Song ©2013. Steve Thompson.

Image- © 2020. Tom Jenkins.

Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twenty-Four, May 5

The Fourth Week of Easter: From FEAR to TRUST

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” ”

— Mark 4 :38

A PERSONAL STORY

When we left the shore, there was not a cloud in the sky. Our rowboat, equipped with an 18HP Mercury outboard motor, quickly moved us across the water.  My son Noah and I planned to do a little fishing.  We were anxious to get started.   

As you might know, Prior Lake is a good-sized body of water.  It took about fifteen minutes of clipping along at a decent speed to reach the fishing spot, where we had some success a few weeks ago.  

Arriving, we shut down the outboard motor and dropped our anchor.  Within minutes, our lines were baited and wet.  In silence, we waited for the better part of an hour.  As the saying goes, "fishing is patience and faith awaiting a nibble."   

Waiting for our first nibble, I noticed that the sky was darkening. After pointing out the advancing weather to Noah, I suggested that we should head back to shore.  The menacing clouds were lightening up the sky with flashes of light.  

Remembering the science lessons of my youth, I began counting—one Mississippi.  Two Mississippi.  Three Mississippi.  And so on.  I counted out an entire minute and never heard the thunder.  We were safe, but the situation was changing rapidly.  

After a few unsuccessful tries, the old Mercury outboard turned over.  With my hand on the tiller, I rotated the handle and brought us up to maximum speed.  Flash.  One Mississippi.  Two Mississippi, etc.   Still safe, however, now I could hear the thunder.  The storm front was heading our way.  We were now in a frantic race to the boat ramp, which was still too far away to see.  

Our boat bounced over the waves.  Until that point, the surface was reasonably calm for such a large body of water.  Now the waves asserted themselves with fierce anger.  They smashed against the side of the aluminum rowboat.  Fighting water and time, we continued to make progress.  Until...

The outboard motor went overboard!  

At first, I didn't see it or realize what was happening.  I was looking ahead, steering in the direction of an unseen boat ramp.  The sound of the motor, however, started to gurgle and whine.  My hand, which was bare knuckling the handle at the end of the tiller, strangely moved backward.  It was like some lake monster grabbed me and was pulling me to the depths of Prior Lake!  

Turning around, I saw that the motor, with the propeller still turning, was no longer attached to the boat.  The only thing connecting it to the vessel was my firm grip.   

The sequence of events that followed is still a little fuzzy in my mind.  Holding on tightly, I twisted the handle, shutting the motor off.  Noah rushed from the bow to help.  We schlepped the heavy outboard into the boat.  

Although we saved the Mercury, our rapid escape stalled.  Shifting to oar-power, we made little progress to the boat ramp.  To make matters worse, the separation between the sky's light and the accompanying boom was now within the danger zone.

Everything happened so fast that I didn't have time to be afraid.  That said, a sure dread prevailed.  In my mind, it was a foregone conclusion - something horrible was going to happen. I lost trust in anything but the worst-case scenario. 

I wonder if that isn't what the disciples felt in the storm on the Sea of Galilee?  On that large lake, they crossed over the threshold of fear into a place of despair and certain doom.  Even though they were seasoned fishers, they lost trust in their ability to survive.  They also lost confidence in God's presence.  It didn't seem like Jesus even cared!

When trust falters, we quickly forget abilities, resources, and relationships.  Fight or flight sets in, and we react.  On auto-pilot, we push through or run away in a frantic way.  Usually, we do this by ourselves.  Alone.  We shut out everyone else - including God.    

At least, that is what I find myself doing.  From experience, it isn't all that pretty or productive.  I overlook solutions, help, and others.  The nightmare only deepens as it seems like I'm never going to see the light of another day.  I forget God's promise always to be near.    

I have come to learn that it is at this point in the downward spiral that I need to stop and take a deep breath. Breathe. Push the panic away.  Breathe.  Reevaluate.  Breathe. Where am I? Breathe. Whose am I?  

Breathe - allow trust in God's presence to seep back into the dehydrated places of my soul.  No longer is the lie of loneliness clanging the bell within my disquieted self.  A new sound emerges.  The truth that God remains in my boat awakens.  God is with me!    

Let's go back to that day on Prior Lake.  Again, the events are somewhat fuzzy.  Somewhere in all the confusion, I took a deep breath.  The panic lessened a bit.  Focus returned in a small but significant measure.  Things became a little clearer: row; look for help.  Confidence eased back as we embraced calm.    

I continued to row as hard as I could.  Noah managed to attract the attention of another boater who was also racing for the shore.  A kind neighbor threw us a tow rope and hauled us to the boat ramp.   

Somehow, we got the boat out of the water before the heavens opened up with wind, rain, and lightning.  Sitting in the parking lot, with a secured boat and motor inside, we sighed relief.  Thank God we were safe!

Although the day could have turned out tragically, it didn't.  The experience restored trust in ourselves and each other.  It also reminded us of the presence of God in challenging times.  God doesn't leave us alone.  Instead of abandoning us, God is as close as our next deep breath.  That presence can calm the stormiest of seas outside and within ourselves. 

STEP THREE: PRAY

God of storm and calm, in the living giving waters of our baptism, you promised always to be near.  In my fears, troubles, and panic calm my anxious spirit.  Help me to take a deep breath and trust in your steadfast love and presence.  Through Christ, amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Walt Lichtenberger .

© 2020. Walt Lichtenberger Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twenty-Three , May 4

The Fourth Week of Easter: From FEAR to TRUST

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“A great windstorm arose…”
”

— Mark 4:37

A Jesus Story Retold : Before the Good News “FEAR NOT”

Sweet release.  Jesus began teaching by the sea.  In what seemed like a matter of minutes, more and more people were coming to hear Jesus teach.  The crowds were getting so large that we all kept backing up and backing up until we were nearly in the water. 

It was then that someone suggested Jesus should use a boat that was there so he wouldn’t get wet.  When Jesus boarded the boat he sat down and began teaching in parables.  “A sower went out to sow…” “The Kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground…”  On and on Jesus spoke and taught until evening came.  “Let us go across to the other side,” Jesus said.  We all entered the boat, dead tired from the press of the crowd and from the sun.  That is why I said, “Sweet release.” Jesus was so tired that he made his want to the stern of the boat, rested on a cushion there and fell asleep.

I too kept dozing off but suddenly there was a commotion, Peter, James, John, Andrew all the mariners in our group were pointing to the sky and talking among themselves in very agitated tones.  When I asked them what was the matter they all said “Storm coming”

Suddenly, there was a powerful gust of wind.  I wasn’t afraid until I saw the face of the disciples who were mariners.  They looked worried.  If those who had so much experience on the water began to fear, you can only imagine what was beginning to grip me.

Then with the wind came the waves.  Our boat was rocking, heaving, the water lapping over the sides. There was no way to control the boat.

I’ve been afraid before but I had never experienced anything like this.  It was as if the world I knew was ending.  One wrong move and I could have been washed over the side.  I was truly afraid that I was going to die.  “Jesus, where are you?” I could hear someone shout.  I was wondering the same thing but my fear had made me unable to speak.

STEP THREE: PRAY

Lord Jesus, we are in the midst of something none of us have experienced in our lifetime.  A storm has come upon us.  We hear warnings on TV, on the radio, in the newspapers and on social media and we become afraid that we might perish.  Be with us in this time of uncertainty and fear, walk beside us and strengthen us.  Amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Dennis Sepper

©2020 Dennis Sepper. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twenty-Two, May 3

The Fourth Sunday of Easter: From FEAR to TRUST

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” ”

— Mark 4:35-41

“FEAR NOT” - Introduction to this week’s Focus

You might have heard the famous saying:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself…   and bears.”

Truth is, there are a lot of things to fear these days. Even bears. And as we’ve shared the past few weeks, we are all in some way or the other fearing a loss of significant events and experiences, fearing the loss of economic security, and fearing the loss of community and relationships. Each of these on its own is difficult, but together they can easily leave us feeling that we’ve lost control, that nothing is certain anymore, that the storms of life are going to swamp us and we’ll soon be in over our heads with nothing to hold on to.

The dominant culture tells us that the opposite of fear is courage – more specifically a form of courage that is grounded in a belief in our own power, our own strength, our own ability to pull ourselves out of the turbulent threatening waters. But in the face of an unseen and undetected threat, none of us have the power or strength to survive on our own. And it might feel like nobody at all cares that we are perishing.

The way of faith, however, tells us that the opposite of fear is trust – a trust grounded not in our own individual abilities, but in our relationship with God through Christ by the Holy Spirit. And even though it seems as if God cannot be awakened, God is still present. Even when hope seems lost, God is with us. Even when the worst threatens, God will still the storm.

STEP THREE: PRAY

God our protector, we are battered by wave upon wave of threats and fears - from deadly viruses to economic hardship to the loss of work, community, and even life. We are overwhelmed. Still the turbulent waters, calm our anxious souls, give us the hope and trust to carry on. Amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Scott Simmons

©2020 Scott Simmons. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twenty-One, May 2

The Third Week of Easter: From FEAR to FRIENDSHIP

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”
”

— Matthew 28:8

FEAR NOT - Some things to try out

Ending each week of this devotional, there will be a collection of practical suggestions on how you can FEAR NOT.  As pastors we know the importance of bringing the abstract ideas of faith down to earth. What can I do in the face of fears?  Here are a few suggestions from the pastors who wrote this week’s devotions. Try them out. Allow them to spark other ideas within yourself.

“Many of us are worried in this time about the breakdown of our communities. But there are practical things that can be done to bolster our communities during difficult times such as these. Consider giving a donation to a local food bank. Often some of the most in-demand things are personal care supplies (Depends, sanitary napkins and other feminine hygiene supplies, laundry soap, toilet paper, etc.). Help to be the part of the safety net for those who may find themselves unexpectedly dependent upon help from the community.””

— Pastor Amanda Applehans

“A month ago, my knowledge of video conferencing technology was limited at best. I knew of ZOOM but if you were to mention it, my thoughts would go to the sound of a race car. Now, ZOOM has a meaning that is linked to online meetings, prayer groups, bible studies, and worship. I have also been using ZOOM to get together with friends. Just the other night, I was part of a birthday cake celebration with four families across the continent. Seeing family on their birthday is something I look forward to even after we no longer need to keep social distances. This pandemic is forcing us all to connect in ways that we never thought of doing.””

— Pastor Walt Lichtenberger

“What’s a relationship you can nurture from a distance? Send an email or a letter to someone who has been on your mind. We can all use a little more love and to know we are being thought of. While you’re at it, write yourself a note that says it’s okay to not have it all together right now. You are enough. As you are. God loves you. As you are. “”

— Pastor Meredith McGrath

STEP THREE: PRAY

Loving God, Our savior Jesus surrounded himself with friends.  None of us is an island yet in this time of isolation we feel that we are alone in the middle of some ocean.  As this third week of Easter comes to a close, with thank you for family and friends who are just a phone call or video chat away.  May we never take for granted the precious gift of friendship.  We ask this in your most holy name.  Amen

---

Today’s prayer is by Pastor Dennis Sepper .

Easter Day Twenty, May 1

The Third Week of Easter: From FEAR to FRIENDSHIP

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” 
”

— Matthew 28:8

“FEAR NOT” - Imagine Friendship

God created us as relational beings. We are hardwired to need other people and they are hardwired to need us. That is one of the reasons being asked to stay at home, to minimize contact is so hard for so many of us. We, like Ariel the Little Mermaid, “want to go where the people are.” God also wants to be in relationship with us. 

That’s why, when Jesus was asked, “What is the most important commandment?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

As our text for this week expresses, even in death and grief, Jesus’ friends were still living out that need to love and care for him by properly preparing his body.

Even if no one you love has died in the past month, you may find your body expressing something similar to grief. Because separation is a loss, even if your brain knows it’s temporary. There is nothing wrong with you for feeling grief, or a loss of focus, or a desire to sleep. These are reasonable things to be feeling.

One of the things I lift up during my funeral sermons is that God is with you. This is NOT  to say that because you know God is with you that everything is okay, that there’s no need to feel lonely or to feel pain. Quite the opposite. I make a point of lifting up that God is with you because God is with you in your grief, sitting right there with you - with a patience without end. You don’t need to rush your grief or minimize your grief with God. God knows. God weeps with you. God holds you tight. 

That is equally true now in the grief, loss, and/or uncertainty you feel. God is with you. Our God who died on the cross knows what it means to feel alone, forgotten, abandoned, rejected. Because of that truth, you can trust that God will always be with you even when you feel alone. God will never forget you for you are written on God’s heart. God will always stay with you, even if you feel like you’ve pushed God away. 

This is not just a truth for “This Time of COVID19” but it is a truth forever.

STEP THREE: PRAY

Loving God, thank you for always coming to where I am, seeking me out when I feel lost. Be with all those who are alone, lost, forgotten. Help me to see them with your eyes and heart. Amen

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Meredith McGrath.

© 2020. Meredith McGrath. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Nineteen, April 30

The Third Week of Easter: From FEAR to FRIENDSHIP

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my disciples to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” —”

— Matthew 28:10

A Jesus-Story Retold: After the good news “fear not”

What a rollercoaster ride this week has been.  An arrest, a mock trial, then crucifixion and death.  All the authorities were still out there when the two Marys went to the tomb of Jesus.  They were much braver than the rest of us to venture out in the first place.

Now they are back with news of an encounter with an angel and then with Jesus himself…back from the grave.  Could it be?  My mind cannot comprehend it.  I want to believe what they told all of us…how we should not be afraid and we should meet Jesus in Galilee but common sense won’t allow me that luxury.

What if it’s true?  What if Jesus is resurrected from the grave?  Despite all of our brave words when they took Jesus away we all deserted him.  Simon Peter even denied knowing him.  If we weren’t afraid enough before, now Jesus is back and wants us to meet him.  This is God whom we betrayed and deserted.  Surely Jesus is angry with us.

But…but if it is true, then everything else Jesus showed us and taught us must be true.  That mercy and forgiveness are great strengths, that love wins over hate, that service to others is the path to an abundant life, that all our lives are held in the hand of a God who knows us by name and won’t abandon us…even when we abandon God.  Most importantly, that Jesus is speaking the truth when he says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” 

What wonderful news that is but we haven’t seen Jesus yet.  All we have is the witness of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.  I so want to believe what they have told us especially that part about how the angel and Jesus said that we should not be afraid.  I find myself going back and forth between fear and joy, between doubt and faith.

I suppose there is only one way to know for sure and that is to join the rest of the disciples, leave this place and go to Galilee to see Jesus as he promised.  I suppose it is time to take the angel and the risen Jesus at their word and leave our fear behind, here in this place.  Faith and courage seem to go hand in glove…on my good days I get it and at times I do not.  I guess that’s what it means to be human and a disciple of the risen Christ.

Then too I have my brothers and sisters with me…a community of faith and friendship.  When I am weak they strengthen me, when they falter I promise to be there to lift them up.  Jesus has called us into this group of followers for a purpose…to encourage each other as we proclaim the good news and as we serve others.  There is absolutely no way I could do this on my own.  I need each and every one of them to see this time of uncertainty through.  Thank God we have each other!

STEP THREE: PRAY

Lord Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief.  When I am fearful allow me to hear your words “do not be afraid” and strengthen me within my community of the faithful to trust your words of promise and follow you wherever you may lead.   Amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Dennis Sepper

© 2020. Dennis Sepper. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Eighteen, April 29

The Third Week of Easter: From FEAR to FRIENDSHIP

Photo: Pastor Tom Jenkins

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.””

— Revelation 3:20

Song:  The Love in Your Eyes

How much is enough to put away my fear?

Aching heart -- desire never satisfied.

Can I let it go?  Open my right hand.

Will I clasp and clench until I die?

Suspicion comes again, past once noble defense.

Trusting heart down in disrepair.

In my little room - solitary man.

Not so much a place as a nowhere.

You come into my room without knocking           

With truth as a light exposing my lies.           

A meal is prepared and the table is set.          

My fear and despair are displaced by the love in your eyes.

Thoughts curve in and then, I turn them all around.

I conjure meanings in and out of phase.

I know I need some help to see reality

I need a guide to make it through the maze.

 Age old rebellion  ---

It’s the problem with us all  ---

Stumble around in the darkness till we fall ---

“Age old rebellion  -- Part of what we are

We all try to run  -- but only can get so far!  “     

(chorus)

STEP THREE: PRAY

Risen Christ, Loving Friend, give me the willingness to open the door to your presence. And when I am stuck in my ways of wilful isolation kick the door open, like you have done sometimes in the past. I know that you regard me with a gaze of pure love. When I see that in your eyes my fear and despair are displaced. So come in. Let me see as you see. Amen  

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Steve Thompson (song/prayer) and Pastor Tom Jenkins (photo)

Song ©2020. Steve Thompson.

Image- © 2020. Tom Jenkins.

Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Seventeen, April 28

The Third Week of Easter: From FEAR to FRIENDSHIP

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”

”

— Matthew 28: 5-6

A PERSONAL STORY

“Get out my Betty Crocker Cookbook and find the recipe for Refrigerator Rolls.  If you can read, you can bake!”

With that my mom left the kitchen to go sit down.  It was almost Thanksgiving, and I was home from college for the week.  My mom had just had a procedure on her heart – it was very early in what would be her nearly 20 year struggle with coronary artery disease – so she was pretty worn out.  Certainly in no shape to knead dough and make buns for our family Thanksgiving celebration the next day.  That was the first time someone other than her had made bread for Thanksgiving dinner.

I don’t know who will be making the bread this year.  My mom passed away on January 29th – just before all this Covid-19 chaos landed in our country.  Her health had been very fragile for a long time, and I had often wondered if I would get to say goodbye in person when the time came.  As it turned out, the 6 hours between the Twin Cities and central Iowa was too long a drive, and she was gone before I could get there.

There’s never a good time to lose your mom, but my particular situation left me feeling adrift.  Just over two weeks before I had said goodbye to the congregation I had been serving in Minnesota because my husband and I had accepted a call to be missionaries in Madagascar.  We were working to get our house on the market to sell while saying goodbye to many of our worldly possessions in preparation for the move.  And now, as I was saying goodbye to so many things in my life, I would also be saying goodbye to my mother. 

The end of that week was filled with details – details for the visitation, details for the funeral, details at the florist, details for printing bulletins.  To be honest, I was thankful for all the details because they kept my mind busy.  The next week, though, was New Missionary Orientation at the ELCA Churchwide offices.  While I did my best to be engaged and present at the orientation, it was hard to keep my mind focused on the adventure ahead while the loss of my mother was so fresh. 

The Churchwide offices have a chapel service each Wednesday morning, which we attended the week of orientation.  I hadn’t thought too much about taking Communion until I heard the words spoken, “…And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn…”  And I lost it.  I was caught in the front row with tears streaming down my cheeks.  But I couldn’t help it – in that moment the realization of the truth of Holy Communion came over me.  The truth that in that moment we feast with all believers everywhere – my congregation that I had left, the neighbors and friends in Minnesota we were working on leaving, my family who were mourning two hours away, and even my mom, along with her parents and grandparents and everyone she had loved and lost in this life. 

In that meal we were all united.  Perhaps only for a brief moment, but we were together again.  Through that piece of bread and sip of wine, we were knit together into Christ’s body.  A body that existed beyond time and space.  A body that had already overcome death, for my mom and for me.  In that moment we were together. 

I don’t know who made the bread, and I suppose it doesn’t really matter.  What matters is that, wherever we are, whatever the bread looks like, in that moment we are together, and Christ is with us. 

The virus has meant that I haven’t taken Communion many times since that day.  With worship services digitized and sharing food frowned upon, the Christian community has been called into a time of fasting from our Lord’s Supper.  This reality can leave us with questions - Where do we find this knitting together into community?  How do we reach out and touch God when we are isolated from one another?  How long, O Lord, before we are together again?

But in God we can have confidence that one day we will again hear those words and receive that bread.  And until then we place our trust in the promise of our God who is present for us, even outside of the earthly signs of bread and wine. 

STEP THREE: PRAY

God of bread, we know that for some in our midst food can be hard to come by.  Use our hands as you work to bring needed food to all who hunger.  We pray you would also give to us all that we need to make it through this day, and each day that follows, until we join with all the hosts of heaven around your great banquet table.  Amen

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Amanda Applehans.

© 2020. Amanda Applehans Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Sixteen, April 27

The Third Week of Easter: From FEAR to FRIENDSHIP

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.””

— Matthew 28:1-4

A Jesus Story Retold : Before the Good News “FEAR NOT”

Vitus stood with a spear in his fist.  His carefully honed combat vision scanned the horizon of the garden.  With a shield by his side, he was ready for anything that might come his way.  There was a fog floating in the darkness.  Soon it would increase with the arrival of dawn.  From his experience in the Legion, this was the time of day that could open to battle.  Caution was prudent -that is what Vitus's experience and training ingrained into the core of his being.  

Soon, however, this duty would be over.  Somebody said something about watching the tomb until the third day.  Not sure what that rumor meant.  His place wasn't to question orders but to follow them.  Guard the tomb. Period.

While keeping watch, Vitus's mind wandered.  He was so far from home in this strange land.  They seemed to pay only lip service to the Roman pantheon of gods.  Instead of worshiping Jupiter, Neptune, or Pluto, the locals spoke of Yahweh.  Actually, out of deep reverence, they never used their God's name.  Adonai - Lord - those were the only names to come from their lips.  So very strange to believe in one god.  And what a poor god at that!  Nothing about Yahweh seemed to match the might and majesty of Rome.  Friendship with the Roman gods brought power and might.     

Vitus was born in a land far from his conflicted place, where rebellion and revolt festered and would soon erupt.  His homeland was a peaceful place full of lush hillsides that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea.  Although his family wasn't the wealthiest in the region, they did have access to resources.  On the ninth day of life, his parents celebrated.  They gave him a name and a small amulet to wear, which is called a bulla.   The name meant 'vital' or 'life,' and the bulla marked him as freeborn.   Vitus carried both with him as markers of continued blessing.     

His citizenship connected him with others who enjoyed peace, prosperity, and order.  As a Roman soldier, he was joined to his brothers in arms.  Together they shared in and helped to defend the Pax Romana (peace of Rome.)  It was a powerful alliance - unlike any the world had ever known. Friendship with Rome brought many blessings.      

The first signs of light in the sky brought Vitus's attention back to the present.  His ears perked up; two people were approaching the tomb.  Beneath Vitus's chest armor, his heart beat faster - the adrenalin started to flow.     

Just as he was about to shout "halt" at the advancing strangers, Vitus noticed the threat - two women.  He took a deep breath.  They were familiar; Vitus remembered seeing them at the crucifixion.  They watched with all the horror that such an event inspired.  They were the powerless friends of an impotent messiah.  

Suddenly, the earth beneath Vitus's sandals started to tremble.  The intensity of the rumbling increased.  Cracks in the dirt opened.  Dust mingled with the early morning fog.  

Behind the protection of his shield, Vitus looked to the sky from where there came an unnatural light.  By the might of Jupiter!  What was going on?  Some heavenly being descended from on high.   

At that point, Vitus felt all of his strength dissipate.  For the first time in his life, he lost his firm grip on both shield and spear.  Both of these bronze weapons of war crashed to the ground.  Vitus followed as his legs collapsed beneath him; he couldn't move.  It was as though he was a dead man.  But who struck him down?   What unseen powers attacked the power of Rome?

Looking up from the ground, unable to move, Vitus could see the women.  They faced the heavenly being, who shone like the sun.  The fear in their eyes matched the fear in his heart.   

"Do not be afraid!" spoke the mysterious figure to the women.  "You are looking for Jesus who was crucified, he is not here - he is risen!"  The tomb, which Vitus had guarded, was now empty.

The resurrection of the dead?  Paralyzed Roman guards?  The only ones worthy to stand were a pair of women who followed the tortured preacher who suffered a shameful death?   Courage in the face of suffering and despair?  How could such things be?

What kind of God was this Yahweh that he would befriend the likes of them?    

Immobilized, Vitus pondered.  In the grip of a fear larger than any he ever faced on a battlefield, he experienced real power for the first time in his life.  He was alone without a friend in sight.

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God, through the life of Jesus we find ourselves in friendship with you.  Thank you for the blessing that comes from this life-giving relationship.  Give me the strength to trust in my connection with you so that I might share your love with others.  Through Jesus, amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Walt Lichtenberger

©2020 Walt Lichtenberger. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Fifteen, April 26

The Third Sunday of Easter: From FEAR to FRIENDSHIP

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” ”

— Matthew 28:1-10

“FEAR NOT” - Introduction to this week’s Focus

For some time now - decades perhaps - there has been a growing fear that community and relationships are on the decline. That for all the good the internet and computers, smartphones and tablets, do for society, they are also keeping us from each other. That the fast pace of society, our over-scheduled days, and almost constant movement leave little room for the simple joys of family, friends, and community.  

And now, separated even more by the social distancing and isolation necessary to protect ourselves and each other from Covid-19, we are more isolated and alone. Relationships and community were hard enough before - now they might be impossible. And that will be a very hard loss to accept.

Loss of community and loss of relationships is not a new fear. Even for people of faith. Our scripture and traditions are full of such stories - floods and wars, exiles and conflicts, plagues and disasters have all threatened to tear people of God apart. 

Yet God has always been faithful, hearing our cries and working through the Holy Spirit to rebuild communities and relationships, plant new ones, and give us hope amidst the fear.

Yes, our sense of isolation is growing. The fear is real. But in and through Jesus, we are gifted with an intimate and direct relationship with God and welcomed into a community that cannot be disrupted by anything this world can throw at it - neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor viruses, nor social distancing and isolation, will be able to separate us from our relationship with our God, each other, and community. 

STEP THREE: PRAY

Embracing God, we are separated from family and friends, congregation and community. We anxiously wonder what will remain of our relationships when the isolation and separation of social distancing ends. We fear for the worst. Help us hope for the best, trusting that your love and faithfulness will restore the best of our former relationships and bring us into new and nurturing relationships with others. Amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Scott Simmons

©2020 Scott Simmons. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Fourteen, April 25

The Second Week of Easter: From FEAR to WORTH

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
”

— Luke 12: 29-31

FEAR NOT - Some things to try out

Ending each week of this devotional, there will be a collection of practical suggestions on how you can FEAR NOT.  As pastors we know the importance of bringing the abstract ideas of faith down to earth. What can I do in the face of fears?  Here are a few suggestions from the pastors who wrote this week’s devotions. Try them out. Allow them to spark other ideas within yourself.

“During this quarantine we have had time to go through the hoarded stuff in the basement. Certainly that stuff that we don’t use any more adds no real worth. We are letting go of stuff that we might not have been ready to part with without this wake up reminder of what really matters. Giving things away feels good.”

”

— Pastor Steve Thompson

“Take time to notice the birds, the plants, the sky… etc…Even our bird feeders - God feeding through our own hands” ”

— Pastor Scott Simmons

“Think about your most precious treasure.  What is it?  What memories are associated with it?  Did someone special give it to you?  Did you earn or win it?  Is it an heirloom or something brand new?  How does this treasure make you feel?  Proud. Special. Nervous. Beloved.  Does it free you or trap you as you seek to love others?  Now think of your most valued relationship.   With whom do you have this connection?  What memories and stories do you share?  How does this person make you feel?  When was the last time you let them know?”  ”

—   Pastor Walt Lichtenberger

“Do you have things others need more? You know, those things you planned to do something with, but haven’t?  Even if you don’t sew, do you have 100% cotton fabric, elastic, and/or shoelaces that a sewer you know can use to make masks? Have you found an extra package of toilet paper you can give to your local food shelf?”         ”

— Pastor Meredith McGrath

STEP THREE: PRAY

God of birds, flowers, and me,  thank you for your constant care and concern for all creation.  Give me the wisdom to appreciate the worth that is found in everything and everyone you made.   Let me celebrate your many wonders and treasure them all in my heart.  Through Jesus, amen.

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Today’s prayer is by Pastor Walt Lichtenberger

Easter Day Thirteen, April 24

Second Week of Easter: From FEAR to WORTH

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.” ”

— Luke 12: 25-27

“FEAR NOT” Imagine Worth

Don't worrrie 'bout a ting, cuz evy 'lil ting is gonna be all rite... Marley's words dance with a Jamaican rhythm through my soul. It is about time to get out my summer, 'beach' playlist. Filled with catchy melodies and smooth sounds, this digital collection of tunes is an annual favorite. It fits the mood of summertime when the living is easy.  

I'm not sure how it is going to sound this year.  

Already the coronavirus has done so much damage. It has displaced students and shopkeepers. Overnight some folks were declared to be "non-essential," and others heard the word 'furlough' for the first time in decades of working.  

As the number of infections and deaths continue to rise, COVID-19 also wreaks havoc on our ego and self-worth. It is especially true in a culture that places such a high value on money. Normally, we are focused on what people do to 'earn a living' and on their ability to spend without restraint. Our worth, at least according to worldly standards, is linked directly to the size of our bank accounts. We equate success with how much money we have and all the stuff that it can buy us.  

Value linked to currency is nothing new for the human creature. It is a phenomenon not restricted to capitalism either. Back in the days of Jesus's earthly ministry, there were no capitalists or socialists. These economic systems were centuries away from being invented. There was, however, wealth.  

The 'golden rule' was in effect; those with the gold make the rules. Some things never change. With wealth came power and prestige. Not everyone was equally valued. Life had a price tag attached. People also linked wealth with divine favor. God blessed the rich with many good things. The poor were somehow morally deficient or seen as not as valuable. Some of these ideas persist in our time.  

Jesus brought different ideas about wealth, value, and the blessing of God. The good news that he proclaimed turned things upside down. Worth came not from silver or gold - it was the gift of God. You couldn't earn God's favor and its accompanying value. No matter how hard you tried, you couldn't buy blessings. Instead, God lavished love, forgiveness, and life itself on all people. Both poor and rich had worth because God said it was so!

It was a hard message for the rich and powerful of Jesus's day to comprehend. They couldn't understand how such things could be possible. It was like trying to squeeze a camel through the eye of a needle - impossible! Even the good, holy people of the time couldn't get their heads around such teaching. It seemed to go against everything that they knew about how the world works.  

We continue to struggle with the truth of Jesus's preaching. Golden rules and worldly wisdom continue to dictate worthiness and value. It is hard to get over centuries of 'common sense' - so ingrained are the lessons of our childhood. We miss truly hearing what Jesus has to say - and it hurts our spirits. Our vision is clouded by worldly understandings of worth when we look into the mirror or at our neighbor in need.  

Perhaps it is time for some healing? What would it look like if we stopped seeing dollar signs when we think about the worth of ourselves and others?  

Imagine resting in God's worth. Feel the comfort of not having to do, earn, spend, or bargain. You are beloved - because God says you are worth more than all the sparrows, lilies, gold, and account balances. Period. Let me say that again - you have worth because you are a child of God. What is more, so does your neighbor.    

As scientists search for vaccines and medical professionals wage their war against this virus, might it also be a time for us to seek additional health for our souls? Might we use this opportunity to focus on what matters most? Can we get some clarity around our values and align them with those of Jesus?   

Perhaps is it time for us to sing a different song about what is most important?  What would it look like to allow the rhythms and dance of God’s sweet sounds to move heart and limbs.  Beloved by God we are worthy, loved, and of priceless value. 

Entering that beat we don’t have nu-ting to worrie ‘bout…  evry ‘lil ting is gonna be all rite.   

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God, I am exhausted by more worries than I can count.  Many times I have come to doubt my worth or place in this world.  When I am overwhelmed, allow me to stop and take a deep breath.  Allow me to believe your word about the value of my life.  Let me dwell in being your beloved child.  Through Christ, amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Walt Lichtenberger

© 2020. Walt Lichtenberger Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Twelve, April 23

Second Week of Easter: From FEAR to WORTH

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest?”
”

— Luke 12:25-26

A Jesus-Story Retold: After the GOOD NEWS “FEAR NOT”

“For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.”

How odd to hear those words echo through her mind on this day.  But watching the soldiers gamble for his clothing, hearing his parched mouth scratch out words, all she could think of was that day…how long ago was it now?  There were so many people in the field – they were practically trampling one another to get close enough to hear Jesus’s words. He spoke to them in parables (didn’t it seem to always be parables those days?) of yeast, and barns, and lamps full of oil.  But the words that haunted her that day were about ravens resting in a field filled with lilies. 

“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, and yet God feeds them.” 

She wondered now as she gazed up from the foot of his cross, whether the thirst that was so obviously present was first on his mind. 

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you?”

Perhaps not his obvious thirst or hunger, but his lack of clothes would be at the forefront of his mind.  As she gazed around to see just how many people watched as he suffered, she couldn’t even imagine how hard it would be to be on such complete display – about to leave the world naked as the day he entered it. 

She watched as the agony went on until, finally, the end drew near.  Then, the broken body on the cross gathered one final breath, and uttered what would be his last words,

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

She could hardly believe it – it wasn’t the nakedness, or the hunger, or even the excruciating pain that was first on Jesus’s mind in that moment.  It was the Father – and the Kingdom. As she watched the body be taken down, and laid in the tomb, she pondered this. She had always thought the reason the ravens didn’t worry about their food was because they weren’t smart enough to imagine a world after their own death.  Now, as she walked home she wondered if maybe Jesus hadn’t understood either…

*                                              *                                              *

She could hardly wait for the sun to rise on the day after the Sabbath.  The ashy-grey morning light was barely enough to keep her from tripping as she rushed along the path to meet the others.  Turned out they were all early – no one wanted to wait any longer to begin the rituals for one they loved so dearly. That Sabbath had seemed so dreadfully long! 

Then, approaching the tomb, they found the stone rolled away.  Entering, they saw no body, but suddenly two men in clothes that shone with an other-worldly light spoke to them, saying, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

They weren’t looking for the living – they were looking for the dead among the dead.  She had watched him die just days earlier. Like the grass when the fall comes, his was now to wither and decay in the tomb.  But the gleaming men told them, “He is not here – he is risen.”

It wasn’t Jesus who had misunderstood the realities – it’s not that he couldn’t imagine a world after his death.  It was that she couldn’t imagine the world after his death. Because his death hadn’t been the end of him. And maybe, his death would mean the end of death for all people.  Maybe, just maybe, she should rethink how she imagines the world after her own death…

STEP THREE: PRAY

God of Life, we thank you for the air in our lungs, for the light in our eyes, for the blood coursing through our veins.  Help us always remember to put our quest for you first in our lives, trusting that you will provide all that is needed day to day.  Bless us each with exactly what we need this day, and use us to be a blessing in the lives of those we encounter. In Jesus’s name, amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Amanda Applehans. Until recently Pastor Amanda was the pastor of Fish Lake Lutheran Church in Harris, MN.  She left in January to take a call as Country Coordinator of Madagascar for the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program with her husband, Grant.  Their deployment to Madagascar is on hold while Covid 19 plays out in the United States and around the globe.

© 2020. Amanda Applehans. Permission granted to share with family and friends.

Easter Day Eleven, April 22

Second Week of Easter: From FEAR to WORTH

Photo: Pastor Tom Jenkins

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
I’ve always longed to live in a place like this
Always dreamed of a room in your house,
where I could sing for joy to God-alive!
Birds find nooks and crannies in your house,
sparrows and swallows make nests there.
They lay their eggs and raise their young,
singing their songs in the place where we worship.
God-of-the-Angel-Armies! King! God.
How blessed they are to live and sing there!”
”

— Psalm 84:1-4 (the Message)

Song:  Prayer of the Birds

Chorus:   A beautiful sound as the day breaks

               They never worry about the right words.

               What if we pray, lifting a song 

               simple and trusting as the prayer of the birds.

Wasting the wonder of being alive worried, and annoyed

Faith songs all caged when we’re disengaged 

from the promise that opens our joy.

(chorus)

We’re better than birds at expecting trouble to come.

Striving to buy some good life, but why?

These idols we serve leave us dumb

(chorus)

© Steve Thompson 2013 

STEP THREE: PRAY

Lord, teach me to live in humble trust, receiving the gifts of each moment as you provide for my needs.  Let me hear the choir of bird songs as a reminder of your invitation to let go of anxiety so that I too can sing the song of joy and gratitude. Thank you that my deepest truest identity and worth is inherent because I am your beloved child.  Amen.

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Today’s devotion is by Pastor Steve Thompson (song) and Pastor Tom Jenkins (photo)

Song ©2013. Steve Thompson.

Image- © 2020. Tom Jenkins.

Permission granted to share with family and friends.